Hi,

before I start - let me say that I live in Germany. So HCL may stand for something different. I dont know. I read about this supplement in a fitness magazine.

The interesting point was that it is supposed to really help digestion. Well, if the digestion doesnt work properly then all that macro work is pointless. Plus I have problems sometimes (and I do not like to fart when spending time with my girlfriend).

So what is that stuff? I need to know if it is worth hunting out and worth the money.

I assume its Betaine Hydrochloride. But how do I know if my natural level of stomach acids is low? I mean what are the signs?

Please let me know if I should try to get hold of some (oh, and dont take soya protein powder - it makes your libido go down - it did so for me anyway...). Should I get a doc to test my levels first?

Thanks

Sven,

Unless a doctor has diagnosed you with low stomach acid, this is just another questionable and useless "supplement." If your body was having problems digesting your food and absorbing your needed macro and micro nutrients, you would know already as you would be malnourished and weak. Don't get too caught up in supplements and all the marketing hype around them. Outside of protein powders and creatine, there are no other supplements a healthy person with a solid nutrition plan really needs.

As for soy protein, it is well documented that too much soy intake can have adverse effects on males. Soy has a plant sterol which mimics estrogen in the body. Too much soy or soy milk can raise estradiol levels (the active estrogen component in men) enough to cause problems for those men succeptible to it. As for "blowing ass" (farting), as it is commonly referred to here in the U.S., it is a normal result of the digestive process from eating lots of protein and certain starchy carbs. It is perfectly normal and to be expected when consuming a diet rich in protein, starches, and fiber. My wife has come to accept this as part of training endeavours and something to be shared for our enjoyment :-)

John